~ Life is not measured by how many breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away

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My Adirondacks ~

For as long as I can remember, our family spent one or two weeks each summer camping and visiting relatives in the Adirondacks, right through my teenage years. So it should be no surprise that I’ve always thought of Long Lake, New York, as my second home. My mother’s sister and her family lived there, so we would go and visit and camp at nearby Lake Eaton each July 4th for the local Independence Day festivities. While there we would swim, ride our bikes, go shopping and sightseeing at local stores, then sit around the campfire at night and roast marshmallows and see what local relatives would show up for a visit. We were never disappointed. And, although I’m sure we had our share, I don’t remember any time when it rained during our stay. All I remember is the fun.

A church steeple rises above the fall foliage as taken from the deck of the bridge in Long Lake, New York

A lone kayaker paddles in the colorful splendor that is Long Lake, New York

Now, as adults, my husband and I have visited Long Lake and Lake Eaton over the past couple of years, both in summer and in fall. I’ve been able to share with him the members of my family that still reside there, the places we’d go when I was a child, plus we’ve experienced new places together and made new memories to share with others. I never remember the fall being so vibrant and colorful in my childhood, and I’ve been able to appreciate it much more now.

A view of Lake Eaton, New York, through the trees on the beach.

Another view of Lake Eaton as the light shimmers on the water and the fall foliage across the way.

Al and I visited the Adirondack Museum during one of our stays in the Big Woods. I think I’d been there as a child, but didn’t really remember. Now, seeing it as an adult, I can fully appreciate the history and beauty that is kept in the museum and its many outbuildings. There is even a small section dedicated to my Uncle Bob Wallace, who was a fixture in Long Lake for his entire life, and well-respected as they come. I only remember him as being “larger than life” and very generous with a great sense of humor.

Al sits on this “larger than life” Adirondack chair outside the Adirondack Museum.

A hand made Adirondack-themed quilt on display inside the Adirondack Museum.

I’m so grateful that I have such memories of growing up in the Adirondacks each summer. And now I have photos and even more recent memories to enjoy. These photos are just a few of my memories of my childhood, my family, my Adirondacks.